Timmins police report increase in distracted driving

A driver can be seen above using a cellphone in Timmins, Ont. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News).

Timmins Police officials are seeing an increase in people using their cellphones while driving and they said it's especially noticeable at traffic lights.

“It seems as though you can’t stop at any intersection controlled by a red light in Timmins," Marc Depatie, communications coordinator for Timmins Police Service.

"Once the light turns green, now motorists have to wait for the motorist in the lead to put down his phone and continue driving. This practice cannot continue. It is a direct threat to public safety.”

Depatie said distracted driving contributes to collisions and police are asking people to leave their phones alone.

An insurance company in Timmins said one way to stop texting while driving is to use a phone app that monitors driving behaviours and rewards good drivers with a rebate.

“A device goes on your cellphone. The cellphone sits in your car and it measures when you’re driving," said Dan Ayotte, president of PAIB insurance.

"It also knows if you're a passenger or a driver … If you pick up your phone or device to look at it, it will take points off for disturbed driving.”

Ayotte said depending on the insurance company, people can save anywhere from 10 to 20 per cent on vehicle insurance premiums.